Weather in Rapid City SD
Weather in Rapid City is fairly consistent throughout the year, although the city experiences its share of cold spells. The average daytime temperature is in the mid-30s. The city is located at the foot of the Black Hills and can take advantage of air inversions that trap warm air over the area. This results in unseasonably warm temperatures. Though it rarely receives long periods of snow, the city does enjoy excellent winter sports conditions.
Winter weather in Rapid City
Rapid City has mild winters compared to other parts of the state, but it still has a long cold season with occasional blizzards. During the winter, there are approximately 50 days with at least an inch of snow. The wettest month is October, but there are also periods where it is sunny.
In January, the temperature is around 18 degrees and the high temperature is above 37 degrees. The cold season lasts for 3.6 months. In Rapid City, the average high temperature is below 46 degrees. The coldest month of the year is January, with lows in the teens and highs in the mid-twenties.
Rapid City’s climate is a mix of cool and warm. Its highest elevation is Custer. At the other end of the range, Rapid City is located near Spearfish, Lead, and Hot Springs.
Windiest month of the year
January is the windiest month of the year in Rapid City. The average hourly wind speed is over eight miles per hour. However, it is rare for any given month to be too cold or too hot. The calmest month is May, with an average daily temperature of 62.3 degrees.
The warmest months in Rapid City are June and July, with high temperatures ranging between 80 and 100 degrees. Summer is a great time to go camping, hike, and enjoy the city’s water recreation, but evenings can be chilly. Thankfully, temperatures start to cool off after Labor Day. Highs in July and August are usually in the 60s, but nights drop into the 40s.
The area of impact is west of Rapid City from the Gap to the west edge of the city. The minimum hourly wind speed to be considered a windstorm is 20 miles per hour and more than 0.02 inches of precipitation (excluding dry snow).
Best time to visit for warm-weather activities
Summer is a great time to enjoy warm-weather activities in Rapid City. Despite the semi-arid climate, the city has beautiful blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures. Fall is also a great time to explore Rapid City and its surrounding attractions. The weather is moderately cool during the day but pleasant during the evenings.
In the winter, the city is not nearly as crowded. During the cold months, you can enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, tubing, and hiking. If you are planning a holiday in Rapid City, visiting during these months is an ideal choice. It is the perfect time to visit the area if you want to avoid the crowds.
In summer, it is best to plan a trip to Mount Rushmore in Rapid City. This imposing monument is located 35 miles away. There is no entrance fee to view the statues, but you have to pay for parking.
